As Russian President Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to North Korea in more than two decades. The visit comes as the two nations strengthen their alliance against increasing pressures from Washington. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a rare visit to North Korea

<p>The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia turned deadly for over 550 people amid raging heatwave in West Asia.&nbsp;Boeing's CEO, David Calhoun, on Tuesday (June 18) faced tough questions from a US congressional panel. Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Russia in an unprecedented state visit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hajj-pilgrimage-heatwave-claims-over-550-lives-as-temperatures-hit-518-degrees-celsius-in-mecca-733024"><strong>Hajj deaths 2024: Heatwave claims over 550 lives as temperatures hit 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mecca</strong></a></p>

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<strong>Hajj deaths 2024 News:</strong>&nbsp;Tragedies have marked this year's Hajj pilgrimage, as at least 550 pilgrims have died, primarily because of heat-related illnesses.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-ceo-apologises-to-crash-victims-families-admits-flawed-culture-in-senate-hearing-732992"><strong>Boeing CEO apologises to crash victims' families, admits flawed culture in Senate hearing</strong></a></p>

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Boeing's CEO, David Calhoun, on Tuesday (June 18) faced tough questions from a US congressional panel. At the Senate hearing, Calhoun apologised to the families of the victims of the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 and admitted that his company's culture was flawed but insisted on ongoing improvements in safety.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-hails-north-koreas-support-for-ukraine-war-vows-trade-security-ahead-of-visit-to-pyongyang-732803"><strong>Russian President Vladimir Putin lands in Pyongyang, commences his first visit to North Korea in 24 years</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/19/438580-kim-jong-un-and-vladimir-putin.png?imwidth=400" /><br />
President Vladimir Putin reached&nbsp;North Korea on Wednesday&nbsp;(Jun 19), after&nbsp;stopping over&nbsp;at&nbsp;Russia's far eastern region of Sakha&nbsp;for a few hours, marking the first trip to the country by a Russian leader in 24 years.&nbsp;<br />
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/giorgia-meloni-slams-eu-centrists-for-excluding-her-from-top-job-talks-rejects-pre-packaged-deal-733015"><strong>Giorgia Meloni slams EU centrists for excluding her from top job talks; rejects 'pre-packaged' deal</strong></a></p>

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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was reportedly left out of a small group of European Union leaders discussing top jobs for the three EU bodies, namely the European Union parliament, European Council and the European Commission.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-delegation-in-dharamshala-to-meet-tibetan-spiritual-leader-dalai-lama-733016"><strong>US delegation in Dharamshala to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/justin-timberlake-arrested-what-he-told-the-young-officer-who-didnt-recognise-him-732998"><strong>Justin Timberlake arrested: What he told the young officer who didn't recognise him</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/19/438584-horizons-2024-06-19t075516314.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Memes have now started flooding social media as Justin Timberlake reportedly told the officer that this arrest would "ruin the tour" and the officer had no context to what the singer was saying since he didn't recognise who Justin Timberlake was.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia turned deadly for over 550 people amid raging heatwave in West Asia. Boeing's CEO, David Calhoun, on Tuesday (June 18) faced tough questions from a US congressional panel.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia turned deadly for over 550 people amid raging heatwave in West Asia. Boeing's CEO, David Calhoun, on Tuesday (June 18) faced tough questions from a US congressional panel. Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Russia in an unprecedented state visit. Click here to read more: Hajj deaths 2024: Heatwave claims over 550 lives as temperatures hit 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mecca Hajj deaths 2024 News: Tragedies have marked this year's Hajj pilgrimage, as at least 550 pilgrims have died, primarily because of heat-related illnesses. Boeing CEO apologises to crash victims' families, admits flawed culture in Senate hearing Boeing's CEO, David Calhoun, on Tuesday (June 18) faced tough questions from a US congressional panel. At the Senate hearing, Calhoun apologised to the families of the victims of the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 and admitted that his company's culture was flawed but insisted on ongoing improvements in safety. Russian President Vladimir Putin lands in Pyongyang, commences his first visit to North Korea in 24 years President Vladimir Putin reached North Korea on Wednesday (Jun 19), after stopping over at Russia's far eastern region of Sakha for a few hours, marking the first trip to the country by a Russian leader in 24 years. Giorgia Meloni slams EU centrists for excluding her from top job talks; rejects 'pre-packaged' deal Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was reportedly left out of a small group of European Union leaders discussing top jobs for the three EU bodies, namely the European Union parliament, European Council and the European Commission. US delegation in Dharamshala to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama × Justin Timberlake arrested: What he told the young officer who didn't recognise him Memes have now started flooding social media as Justin Timberlake reportedly told the officer that this arrest would "ruin the tour" and the officer had no context to what the singer was saying since he didn't recognise who Justin Timberlake was.

Morning brief: Heatwave makes Hajj pilgrimage deadly; Putin lands in Pyongyang; and more

<p>NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (June 17) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit this week to North Korea, which has supplied shells to Moscow despite being under UN sanctions, points out that Russia is "dependent" on authoritarian leaders for weapons supply.</p>

<p>Additionally, Stoltenberg&nbsp;called on Beijing to face consequences if it continues to support Moscow amid the war in Ukraine. The NATO Secretary-General accused China of worsening the conflict between Russia and Ukraine through an alleged export push to rebuild Russia's defence industry.</p>

<p>President Xi Jinping "has tried to create the impression that he is taking a back seat in this conflict, to avoid sanctions and keep trade flowing," Stoltenberg said.</p>

<p>"But the reality is that China is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II, and at the same time, it wants to maintain good relations with the West," he said.</p>

<p>"Beijing cannot have it both ways. At some point — and unless China changes course — allies need to impose a cost. There should be consequences," Stoltenberg added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-should-impose-a-cost-on-china-for-russia-support-nato-chief-732633">West should 'impose a cost' on China for Russia support: NATO chief</a></strong></p>

<p>China says that it is not sending lethal assistance to either Russia or Ukraine which the United States and other Western nations are purportedly doing.</p>

<p>China did not participate in a summit in Switzerland over the weekend billed by Ukraine's Zelensky as a "peace summit".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, Stoltenberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit this week to North Korea, which has supplied shells to Moscow despite being under UN sanctions, points out that Russia was "dependent" on authoritarian leaders for weapons supply.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China says G7 statement 'full of arrogance, prejudice and lies'</strong></p>

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<p>Stoltenberg, who led NATO throughout Trump's 2017-2021 presidency, also said that successive US administrations had "an absolutely valid point to say that European allies are spending too little." Donald Trump has repeatedly slammed European NATO counterparts for inequitable funding of the military alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The good news is that's changing," Stoltenberg said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are not saying that we are satisfied, but we are in a totally different place now than we were back in 2014," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (June 17) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit this week to North Korea, which has supplied shells to Moscow despite being under UN sanctions, points out that Russia is "dependent" on authoritarian leaders for weapons supply.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (June 17) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit this week to North Korea, which has supplied shells to Moscow despite being under UN sanctions, points out that Russia is "dependent" on authoritarian leaders for weapons supply. Additionally, Stoltenberg called on Beijing to face consequences if it continues to support Moscow amid the war in Ukraine. The NATO Secretary-General accused China of worsening the conflict between Russia and Ukraine through an alleged export push to rebuild Russia's defence industry. President Xi Jinping "has tried to create the impression that he is taking a back seat in this conflict, to avoid sanctions and keep trade flowing," Stoltenberg said. "But the reality is that China is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II, and at the same time, it wants to maintain good relations with the West," he said. "Beijing cannot have it both ways. At some point — and unless China changes course — allies need to impose a cost. There should be consequences," Stoltenberg added. Also read | West should 'impose a cost' on China for Russia support: NATO chief China says that it is not sending lethal assistance to either Russia or Ukraine which the United States and other Western nations are purportedly doing. China did not participate in a summit in Switzerland over the weekend billed by Ukraine's Zelensky as a "peace summit". Furthermore, Stoltenberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit this week to North Korea, which has supplied shells to Moscow despite being under UN sanctions, points out that Russia was "dependent" on authoritarian leaders for weapons supply. Also watch | China says G7 statement 'full of arrogance, prejudice and lies' × Stoltenberg, who led NATO throughout Trump's 2017-2021 presidency, also said that successive US administrations had "an absolutely valid point to say that European allies are spending too little." Donald Trump has repeatedly slammed European NATO counterparts for inequitable funding of the military alliance. "The good news is that's changing," Stoltenberg said. "We are not saying that we are satisfied, but we are in a totally different place now than we were back in 2014," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin dependent on 'authoritarian' leaders for weapons: NATO chief

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in North Korea later on Tuesday, in his first visit in 24 years, underlining the deepening ties between the two nuclear-armed states. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Vladimir Putin's rare visit to North Korea

Russian President Putin to visit North Korea for first time in 24 years

WION's Senor correspondent Siddharth MP brings you this exclusive report from on board the world's first floating nuclear power plant. Watch in for more details!

Russia's floating Akademik Lomonosov nuclear plant: WION special report from Russia's far-east

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has kept his personal life guarded. He might not want to reveal the details about his family but others have, and now his daughters have stunned the corridors of power in and beyond Moscow after they spoke at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vladimir Putin and ex-wife Lyudmila are parents to Maria Vorontsova, 38 and Katerina Tikhonova, 37. Putin married Lyudmila in 1983.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VladimirPutin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VladimirPutin</a>'s elusive daughters make rare appearance.<br />
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Who are Putin's daughters? <a href="https://twitter.com/AnanyaDutta97?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnanyaDutta97</a> tells you more<br />
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Watch more on <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J">https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/JLcOxRqeHr">pic.twitter.com/JLcOxRqeHr</a></p>
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<p>Earlier this week, Putin's elder daughter Maria Vorontsova spoke on a panel related to innovation and biotechnology. Born in 1985, Maria studied biology at St Petersburg University and medicine at Moscow State University. A specialist in endocrine system, she is listed as a researcher at Moscow's Endocrinology Research Centre. &nbsp;Maria was married to Dutch businessperson Jorrit Joost Faassen, a former employee at Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom. The two have reportedly separated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-from-soviet-fight-picking-child-to-russias-reigning-president-701470">Vladimir Putin: From Soviet fight-picking child to Russia's reigning president</a></strong></p>

<p>Maria's younger sister Katerina was part of a panel at St Petersburg summit discussing the present and future of the Russian defence industry. Katerina has garnered limelight due to her talent as a rock n'roll dancer. In the summer of 2013, she married Kirill Shamalov, the son of a long-time friend of President Putin. Their wedding was held at an exclusive ski resort near St Petersburg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-katerina-and-maria-the-russian-presidents-daughters-hit-by-us-sanctions-468904">Who are Katerina and Maria, the Russian President's daughters hit by US sanctions?</a></strong></p>

<p>The sisters were targeted by the US sanctions in 2022 in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-ukraine-crisis-war-crimes-in-bucha-heres-all-what-you-need-to-know-474954">Bucha killings</a> in Ukraine amid Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin's daughters emerge out of the blue: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The splashy appearance of Putin's daughters may signal that the Russian president, 71, now in his fifth term, is looking at his legacy—and is willing to lean into family ties to expand it.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia conflict: Joe Biden targets Russia's first family</strong></p>

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<p>The two in the past have made some rare appearances on Russian state television. But the elder daughter Maria, while not being specifically political, has been slightly more vocal in promoting Putin's rule in the run-up to the country's presidential elections in March.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin has kept his personal life guarded. He might not want to reveal the details about his family but others have, and now his daughters have stunned the corridors of power in and beyond Moscow after they spoke at the St.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has kept his personal life guarded. He might not want to reveal the details about his family but others have, and now his daughters have stunned the corridors of power in and beyond Moscow after they spoke at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Vladimir Putin and ex-wife Lyudmila are parents to Maria Vorontsova, 38 and Katerina Tikhonova, 37. Putin married Lyudmila in 1983. #VladimirPutin's elusive daughters make rare appearance. Who are Putin's daughters? @AnanyaDutta97 tells you more Watch more on https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J#RussiaNews pic.twitter.com/JLcOxRqeHr — WION (@WIONews) June 7, 2024 × Earlier this week, Putin's elder daughter Maria Vorontsova spoke on a panel related to innovation and biotechnology. Born in 1985, Maria studied biology at St Petersburg University and medicine at Moscow State University. A specialist in endocrine system, she is listed as a researcher at Moscow's Endocrinology Research Centre. Maria was married to Dutch businessperson Jorrit Joost Faassen, a former employee at Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom. The two have reportedly separated. Also read | Vladimir Putin: From Soviet fight-picking child to Russia's reigning president Maria's younger sister Katerina was part of a panel at St Petersburg summit discussing the present and future of the Russian defence industry. Katerina has garnered limelight due to her talent as a rock n'roll dancer. In the summer of 2013, she married Kirill Shamalov, the son of a long-time friend of President Putin. Their wedding was held at an exclusive ski resort near St Petersburg. Also read | Who are Katerina and Maria, the Russian President's daughters hit by US sanctions? The sisters were targeted by the US sanctions in 2022 in the wake of the Bucha killings in Ukraine amid Russia-Ukraine war. Putin's daughters emerge out of the blue: What does it mean? The splashy appearance of Putin's daughters may signal that the Russian president, 71, now in his fifth term, is looking at his legacy—and is willing to lean into family ties to expand it. Also watch | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Joe Biden targets Russia's first family × The two in the past have made some rare appearances on Russian state television. But the elder daughter Maria, while not being specifically political, has been slightly more vocal in promoting Putin's rule in the run-up to the country's presidential elections in March. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin succession plan out? Daughters appear at key economic summit to support father

<p>Russia's President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow is considering "asymmetric" measures against Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons in Russian territory, including arming adversaries of the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin's remarks came at a meeting with heads of international news agencies on Wednesday (June 5), on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The remarks follow confirmation by a US senator and a western official that Ukraine has recently used US weapons to strike inside Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blasts-china-after-putin-xi-meet-says-you-cant-have-it-both-ways-722280">US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways'</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have no illusions in this regard,” Putin said while repeating his earlier claims that Ukrainian troops might be using the weapons but the US and its allies are providing the intelligence and targeting information to Kyiv.</p>

<p>"Secondly, if someone deems it possible to supply such weapons to the war zone, to strike our territory… why shouldn't we supply similar weapons to those regions of the world, where they will be used against sensitive sites of these countries?" the Russian president added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We can respond asymmetrically. We will give it a thought."</p>

<p>The Russian president said that if the West continues to escalate, it "will completely destroy international relations and undermine international security".</p>

<p>"If we see that these countries are being drawn into a war against us, and this is their direct participation in the war against Russia, then we reserve the right to act in a similar way. This is a recipe for very serious problems," he warned.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas| Putin warns West: There will be consequences</strong></p>

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<p>Russia claims that a number of NATO military instructors training the Ukrainian forces have been killed in the Russian strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Washington and its allies claim that providing weapons and equipment to Ukraine does not put them at war with Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, a report from the Institute for the Study of War had said that Ukrainian forces struck a Russian S-300/400 air defence battery in the Belgorod region, with a US-supplied high mobility artillery rocket system, or Himars, on 1 or 2 June.&nbsp;<br />
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<em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia's President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow is considering "asymmetric" measures against Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons in Russian territory, including arming adversaries of the West.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow is considering "asymmetric" measures against Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons in Russian territory, including arming adversaries of the West. Putin's remarks came at a meeting with heads of international news agencies on Wednesday (June 5), on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The remarks follow confirmation by a US senator and a western official that Ukraine has recently used US weapons to strike inside Russia. Also read | US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways' "We have no illusions in this regard,” Putin said while repeating his earlier claims that Ukrainian troops might be using the weapons but the US and its allies are providing the intelligence and targeting information to Kyiv. "Secondly, if someone deems it possible to supply such weapons to the war zone, to strike our territory… why shouldn't we supply similar weapons to those regions of the world, where they will be used against sensitive sites of these countries?" the Russian president added. "We can respond asymmetrically. We will give it a thought." The Russian president said that if the West continues to escalate, it "will completely destroy international relations and undermine international security". "If we see that these countries are being drawn into a war against us, and this is their direct participation in the war against Russia, then we reserve the right to act in a similar way. This is a recipe for very serious problems," he warned. Also watch | Gravitas| Putin warns West: There will be consequences × Russia claims that a number of NATO military instructors training the Ukrainian forces have been killed in the Russian strikes. Meanwhile, Washington and its allies claim that providing weapons and equipment to Ukraine does not put them at war with Russia. Last month, a report from the Institute for the Study of War had said that Ukrainian forces struck a Russian S-300/400 air defence battery in the Belgorod region, with a US-supplied high mobility artillery rocket system, or Himars, on 1 or 2 June. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

'Recipe for very serious problems': Putin says Russia could supply arms to other nations to strike the West

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (May 29) appointed Alexei Dyumin as secretary of the advisory State Council. The appointment has brought Dyumin closer to the core of power and now, people are speculating that he might become the next president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin was re-elected for another six-year term in March and appointed Dyumin as an adviser supervising the weapons industry in May.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin's website announced a decree signed by Putin that appointed Dyumin to the State Council. It provided no further information about his new employment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sergei Markov, who is a former Kremlin adviser and Putin supporter, said on Telegram: "Russia's elite is abuzz with the appointment of Dyumin as secretary of the State Council."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-spain-ireland-and-norway-formally-recognise-palestinian-statehood-heres-why-it-matters-727107">Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Alexei Dyumin?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Dyumin worked as the president's bodyguard for Putin's first and second terms from August 1999. He is one of his closest allies. He was born on August 28, 1972, in Kursk and his father was a military medic and his mother a teacher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He entered the Federal Guards Service (FSO) in 1995 and guarded both President Boris Yeltsin and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 51-year-old has played ice hockey with Putin. He was deputy head of the GRU military intelligence service when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dyumin later served as a deputy defence minister and then as governor of Tula, a region which plays a big role in Russia's military-industrial complex.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-uncovers-15-kilometre-long-terrorist-tunnel-route-in-eastern-rafah-727109">Gaza war: Israel uncovers 1.5-kilometre-long 'terrorist' tunnel route in eastern Rafah</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Dyumin saved Putin from bear attack</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>While speaking to the Kommersant newspaper in 2016, Dyumin explained how he once used his pistol to scare off a bear from one of the president's mountain residences. He is a recipient of Russia's highest Hero of Russia state award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was part of a group of officers which ensured the security of the president everywhere – in Russia and abroad. Every morning began with a report to the president on operational reports. You must have information on the regions, on emergency situations. Sometimes I had to give instructions to a minister, set a task for the head of a region," Dyumin said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine fires 'storm shadow' missile</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Will Dyumin become next president?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>So far, there's nothing certain over who will succeed Putin, however, experts are taking note of his appointments which suggest that he is preparing a prospective successor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is seen as confirmation that Dyumin is the future president of Russia, Putin's choice," Markov said. He also added that this was something that had long been rumoured.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (May 29) appointed Alexei Dyumin as secretary of the advisory State Council. The appointment has brought Dyumin closer to the core of power and now, people are speculating that he might become the next president.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (May 29) appointed Alexei Dyumin as secretary of the advisory State Council. The appointment has brought Dyumin closer to the core of power and now, people are speculating that he might become the next president. Putin was re-elected for another six-year term in March and appointed Dyumin as an adviser supervising the weapons industry in May. Kremlin's website announced a decree signed by Putin that appointed Dyumin to the State Council. It provided no further information about his new employment. Sergei Markov, who is a former Kremlin adviser and Putin supporter, said on Telegram: "Russia's elite is abuzz with the appointment of Dyumin as secretary of the State Council." Also read: Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters Who is Alexei Dyumin? Dyumin worked as the president's bodyguard for Putin's first and second terms from August 1999. He is one of his closest allies. He was born on August 28, 1972, in Kursk and his father was a military medic and his mother a teacher. He entered the Federal Guards Service (FSO) in 1995 and guarded both President Boris Yeltsin and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin. The 51-year-old has played ice hockey with Putin. He was deputy head of the GRU military intelligence service when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Dyumin later served as a deputy defence minister and then as governor of Tula, a region which plays a big role in Russia's military-industrial complex. Also read: Gaza war: Israel uncovers 1.5-kilometre-long 'terrorist' tunnel route in eastern Rafah Dyumin saved Putin from bear attack While speaking to the Kommersant newspaper in 2016, Dyumin explained how he once used his pistol to scare off a bear from one of the president's mountain residences. He is a recipient of Russia's highest Hero of Russia state award. "I was part of a group of officers which ensured the security of the president everywhere – in Russia and abroad. Every morning began with a report to the president on operational reports. You must have information on the regions, on emergency situations. Sometimes I had to give instructions to a minister, set a task for the head of a region," Dyumin said. Watch: Ukraine fires 'storm shadow' missile × Will Dyumin become next president? So far, there's nothing certain over who will succeed Putin, however, experts are taking note of his appointments which suggest that he is preparing a prospective successor. "This is seen as confirmation that Dyumin is the future president of Russia, Putin's choice," Markov said. He also added that this was something that had long been rumoured. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin's ex-bodyguard, who saved him from bear attack, gets new role. Will he become next president?

Russia's invasion forces Ukrainian leader to seek more military aid from his Western allies. Today Zelensky is visiting Belgium to sign a security pact with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, the visit comes after he visited Spain on Monday and signed security pact with the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine battles Russia's ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which started on May 10. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Russian troops massing along north-east of Kharkiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko met in Minsk to bolster their alliance in the Eastern continent while discussing economic and security concerns.

Putin in Belarus: Putin discusses security, tactical nuclear weapon drills in Belarus

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<p>South Korea and Japan on Friday (May 24) announced a series of sanctions on&nbsp;people, organisations, and vessels related to Russia's alleged&nbsp;procurement of weapons from North&nbsp;Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sanctions came as&nbsp;South Korea and the United States (US)&nbsp;accused North Korea&nbsp;of transferring weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the&nbsp;accusation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The sanctions</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, South Korea's foreign ministry said&nbsp;that&nbsp;sanctions were imposed&nbsp;on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian vessels over weapons trade and other activities between Pyongyang and Moscow.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-multiple-ballistic-missiles-after-kims-sister-denies-supplying-arms-to-russia-722514">North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>The ministry said that the two Russian vessels were carrying a large quantity of containers between Russia and North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;transporting&nbsp;military supplies in a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.</p>

<p>Japan, meanwhile, imposed sanctions on 11 organisations and one person&nbsp;including&nbsp;what it said were Russian groups involved in military cooperation to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa said on Friday that Russia's procurement of arms from North Korea violated the relevant UN resolutions&nbsp;that&nbsp;completely prohibit&nbsp;the transfer of arms and related materials to and from North&nbsp;Korea.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-North Korea ties deepen&nbsp;further</strong></h2>

<p>Days before&nbsp;the sanctions were imposed, North Korean state media reported on Tuesday (May 21) that a Russian delegation arrived in Pyongyang, signalling a further deepening of ties since North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | WION Dispatch: North Korea dismisses rumour of arms export to Russia</strong></p>

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<p>The Russian delegation, led by&nbsp;Grigory Rapota- the chairperson of the&nbsp;Russia-North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;friendship parliamentary group, arrived in Pyongyang on Monday.</p>

<p>In a post on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in North Korea said that the delegation would be staying in Pyongyang until Friday&nbsp;and&nbsp;the two sides would discuss parliamentary exchanges and further engagements.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


South Korea and Japan on Friday (May 24) announced a series of sanctions on people, organisations, and vessels related to Russia's alleged procurement of weapons from North Korea.

South Korea and Japan on Friday (May 24) announced a series of sanctions on people, organisations, and vessels related to Russia's alleged procurement of weapons from North Korea. The sanctions came as South Korea and the United States (US) accused North Korea of transferring weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the accusation. The sanctions In a statement, South Korea's foreign ministry said that sanctions were imposed on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian vessels over weapons trade and other activities between Pyongyang and Moscow. Also read | North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia The ministry said that the two Russian vessels were carrying a large quantity of containers between Russia and North Korea transporting military supplies in a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Japan, meanwhile, imposed sanctions on 11 organisations and one person including what it said were Russian groups involved in military cooperation to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the news agency Reuters reported. Addressing a press conference, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa said on Friday that Russia's procurement of arms from North Korea violated the relevant UN resolutions that completely prohibit the transfer of arms and related materials to and from North Korea. Russia-North Korea ties deepen further Days before the sanctions were imposed, North Korean state media reported on Tuesday (May 21) that a Russian delegation arrived in Pyongyang, signalling a further deepening of ties since North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia last year. Also watch | WION Dispatch: North Korea dismisses rumour of arms export to Russia × The Russian delegation, led by Grigory Rapota- the chairperson of the Russia-North Korea friendship parliamentary group, arrived in Pyongyang on Monday. In a post on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in North Korea said that the delegation would be staying in Pyongyang until Friday and the two sides would discuss parliamentary exchanges and further engagements. (With inputs from agencies)

Alleged Russia-North Korea arms trade: South Korea, Japan impose sanctions

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, defending this week's latest military drills, said that his country regularly conducts such exercises and that it was not an escalation in the war with Ukraine.</p>

<p>He further said that this time, the only difference was that the drills involved Belarus. Russia had in 2023 announced that it was deploying tactical nuclear missiles in Belarus.</p>

<p>Putin's remarks came at a press conference in Minsk after his talks with Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin questions Zelensky's legitimacy as Ukraine's leader</strong></h2>

<p>Putin further questioned if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had the legitimacy to negotiate on Kyiv's behalf.</p>

<p>Russia stated that it was ready to hold talks concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine, however, it highlighted that Zelensky's five-year term in office ended on May 20.</p>

<p>Zelensky had previously ruled out the possibility of holding new presidential elections while the country was fighting a war.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-ukraine-gave-refuge-to-fleeing-islamic-state-terrorists-after-moscow-concert-attack-724858"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia says Ukraine gave refuge to fleeing Islamic State terrorists after Moscow concert attack</strong></a></p>

<p>“Of course, we are aware that the legitimacy of the current head of state has ended,” Putin said.</p>

<p>“We must be completely sure that we are dealing with legitimate authorities,” he added reiterating that his country was ready to negotiate with Ukraine.</p>

<p>Zelensky, however, has rebuffed the preconditions placed by Russia for the talks which also demands allowing Moscow to retain the territory that the Kremlin forces have captured since the February 2022 invasion.</p>

<h2><strong>'Stopped' Russia in Kharkiv region, says Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine's military on Friday said that its forces had stopped Russia from advancing into the northeastern Kharkiv region, but Moscow was intensifying its offensive on other parts of the front.</p>

<p>"The Ukrainian Defence Forces have stopped Russian troops in the Kharkiv sector... The situation is under control, counter-offensive actions are underway," the army said.</p>

<p>Despite initial success, "the enemy has got completely bogged down in street battles for Vovchansk and suffered very high losses in assault units", Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said on social media.</p>

<p>In an attempt to seize the town, Russia "is currently moving reserves from different sectors to support active assault operations, but to no avail", Syrsky added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin, defending this week's latest military drills, said that his country regularly conducts such exercises and that it was not an escalation in the war with Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, defending this week's latest military drills, said that his country regularly conducts such exercises and that it was not an escalation in the war with Ukraine. He further said that this time, the only difference was that the drills involved Belarus. Russia had in 2023 announced that it was deploying tactical nuclear missiles in Belarus. Putin's remarks came at a press conference in Minsk after his talks with Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. Putin questions Zelensky's legitimacy as Ukraine's leader Putin further questioned if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had the legitimacy to negotiate on Kyiv's behalf. Russia stated that it was ready to hold talks concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine, however, it highlighted that Zelensky's five-year term in office ended on May 20. Zelensky had previously ruled out the possibility of holding new presidential elections while the country was fighting a war. Also read: Russia says Ukraine gave refuge to fleeing Islamic State terrorists after Moscow concert attack “Of course, we are aware that the legitimacy of the current head of state has ended,” Putin said. “We must be completely sure that we are dealing with legitimate authorities,” he added reiterating that his country was ready to negotiate with Ukraine. Zelensky, however, has rebuffed the preconditions placed by Russia for the talks which also demands allowing Moscow to retain the territory that the Kremlin forces have captured since the February 2022 invasion. 'Stopped' Russia in Kharkiv region, says Ukraine Meanwhile, Ukraine's military on Friday said that its forces had stopped Russia from advancing into the northeastern Kharkiv region, but Moscow was intensifying its offensive on other parts of the front. "The Ukrainian Defence Forces have stopped Russian troops in the Kharkiv sector... The situation is under control, counter-offensive actions are underway," the army said. Despite initial success, "the enemy has got completely bogged down in street battles for Vovchansk and suffered very high losses in assault units", Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said on social media. In an attempt to seize the town, Russia "is currently moving reserves from different sectors to support active assault operations, but to no avail", Syrsky added. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says nuclear drills are not an escalation, questions Zelensky's legitimacy as Ukraine's leader

<p>The deputy chief of the Russian army's General Staff was arrested after being accused of taking bribe, investigators said on Thursday (May 23).</p>

<p>Lieutenant-General Vadim Shamarin was accused of taking bribe&nbsp;from a factory that manufactured communications equipment, in exchange for awarding the firm with bigger state contracts, said Russia's Investigative Committee.</p>

<p>It claimed that Shamarin had received at least $360,000 (or 36 million roubles) in return.</p>

<p>The military official has been placed in pre-trial detention for two months and if found guilty, will face a jail term of up to 15 years.</p>

<p>Shamarin's arrest is the fourth detention to take place in a month. Earlier, Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was on April 23 placed in pre-trial detention for allegedly accepting bribe.</p>

<p>Following the incident, Lieutenant-General Yuri Kuznetsov, head of personnel at the defence ministry, and Major-General Ivan Popov, former commander of Russia's 58th army have also been arrested over alleged corruption charges.</p>

<p>The Kremlin played down Shamarin's arrest and denied that it was carrying out a purge of the military's top brass.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The fight against corruption is consistent work," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "It is not a campaign, it is constantly ongoing work."</p>

<p>Several Russian military bloggers welcomed his arrest stating that it was communications breakdowns that led to Russia's military failures in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-russia-taking-advantage-of-its-lack-of-air-defence-by-launching-brutal-strikes-724634">Russia launching 'brutal' strikes amid Ukraine's lack of air defence</a></p>

<p>"Bribery in the military and security services is state treason," military blogger Anastasia Kashevarova said in a post on Telegram.</p>

<h2><strong>'Abuse of power'</strong></h2>

<p>Later on Thursday, another military official Vladimir Verteletsky was arrested by the committee over ensuring state orders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said Verteletsky had "been charged with the abuse of his official powers" and had also been placed in detention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Verteletsky was accused by the investigators of taking a bribe in connection with a government contract in &nbsp;2022, which was also the year when Moscow began its offensive against Ukraine.</p>

<p>The incident reportedly cost the state "over 70 million rubles".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The deputy chief of the Russian army's General Staff was arrested after being accused of taking bribe, investigators said on Thursday (May 23). Lieutenant-General Vadim Shamarin was accused of taking bribe from a factory that manufactured communications equipment, in exchange for awarding the firm with bigger state contracts, said Russia's Investigative Committee.

The deputy chief of the Russian army's General Staff was arrested after being accused of taking bribe, investigators said on Thursday (May 23). Lieutenant-General Vadim Shamarin was accused of taking bribe from a factory that manufactured communications equipment, in exchange for awarding the firm with bigger state contracts, said Russia's Investigative Committee. It claimed that Shamarin had received at least $360,000 (or 36 million roubles) in return. The military official has been placed in pre-trial detention for two months and if found guilty, will face a jail term of up to 15 years. Shamarin's arrest is the fourth detention to take place in a month. Earlier, Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was on April 23 placed in pre-trial detention for allegedly accepting bribe. Following the incident, Lieutenant-General Yuri Kuznetsov, head of personnel at the defence ministry, and Major-General Ivan Popov, former commander of Russia's 58th army have also been arrested over alleged corruption charges. The Kremlin played down Shamarin's arrest and denied that it was carrying out a purge of the military's top brass. "The fight against corruption is consistent work," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "It is not a campaign, it is constantly ongoing work." Several Russian military bloggers welcomed his arrest stating that it was communications breakdowns that led to Russia's military failures in Ukraine. Also read: Russia launching 'brutal' strikes amid Ukraine's lack of air defence "Bribery in the military and security services is state treason," military blogger Anastasia Kashevarova said in a post on Telegram. 'Abuse of power' Later on Thursday, another military official Vladimir Verteletsky was arrested by the committee over ensuring state orders. It said Verteletsky had "been charged with the abuse of his official powers" and had also been placed in detention. Verteletsky was accused by the investigators of taking a bribe in connection with a government contract in 2022, which was also the year when Moscow began its offensive against Ukraine. The incident reportedly cost the state "over 70 million rubles". (With inputs from agencies)

Russia arrests top defence official over corruption charges

Russia forces have begun military drills near Ukraine - a simulation of tactical nuclear weapons. This comes two weeks after Russia's President Vladimir Putin announced that the country will carry out drills to test the readiness of personnel and equipment of non-strategic nuclear weapons.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia starts exercise with tactical nuclear weapons

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<p>A&nbsp;survey conducted in Russia recently has&nbsp;revealed that nearly 70 per cent of the citizens consider themselves religious.&nbsp;Citing the&nbsp;survey, local media reported on Tuesday (May 21) that most of those who said they have religious beliefs identified themselves as&nbsp;Orthodox Christians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The survey said that the proportion of followers of other branches of Christianity or Islam was&nbsp;at&nbsp;seven per cent in Russia. Another one per cent of respondents said they were Buddhists&nbsp;and&nbsp;a further one per cent said they were followers of Judaism.</p>

<h2><strong>28% of respondents non-religious: Survey</strong></h2>

<p>The survey also revealed that 28 per cent of the respondents described themselves as non-religious. Of these, more than one-third of the people were between&nbsp;the ages of&nbsp;18 and 24.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-denies-us-claim-that-moscow-deployed-anti-satellite-weapon-in-space-724258">Russia denies US claim that Moscow deployed anti-satellite weapon in space</a></strong></p>

<p>The survey highlighted that&nbsp;religious believers were more likely to participate in various volunteer activities compared to people who were not religious by a margin of 34 per cent&nbsp;to 17 per cent.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, a similar survey&nbsp;was conducted&nbsp;by the&nbsp;Russian Public Opinion Research Center&nbsp;which&nbsp;showed that 78 per cent of the respondents considered themselves religious. Of these,&nbsp;two-thirds were Orthodox Christians.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Orthodoxy deeply rooted in Russians'&nbsp;consciousness'</strong></h2>

<p>In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that&nbsp;Orthodoxy, Eastern Christianity, was deeply rooted&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;consciousness of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Russian people.</p>

<p>"When Russia expanded and&nbsp;absorbed other nations who profess Islam, Buddhism and&nbsp;Judaism, Russia has always been very loyal to&nbsp;those people who profess other religions.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is its strength.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is absolutely clear," President Putin told Tucker Carlson.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Is it the West versus Xi and Putin as both leaders pledge a new era and condemn the US?</strong></p>

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<p>"By&nbsp;the&nbsp;way, Russian authorities were always&nbsp;very careful&nbsp;about the&nbsp;culture and&nbsp;religion of&nbsp;those peoples who came to&nbsp;join the&nbsp;Russian Empire.&nbsp;This,&nbsp;in&nbsp;my&nbsp;opinion, forms the&nbsp;basis of&nbsp;both security and&nbsp;stability of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Russian statehood&nbsp;– all the&nbsp;peoples inhabiting Russia&nbsp;basically&nbsp;consider it their Motherland," Putin added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A survey conducted in Russia recently has revealed that nearly 70 per cent of the citizens consider themselves religious. Citing the survey, local media reported on Tuesday (May 21) that most of those who said they have religious beliefs identified themselves as Orthodox Christians.

A survey conducted in Russia recently has revealed that nearly 70 per cent of the citizens consider themselves religious. Citing the survey, local media reported on Tuesday (May 21) that most of those who said they have religious beliefs identified themselves as Orthodox Christians. The survey said that the proportion of followers of other branches of Christianity or Islam was at seven per cent in Russia. Another one per cent of respondents said they were Buddhists and a further one per cent said they were followers of Judaism. 28% of respondents non-religious: Survey The survey also revealed that 28 per cent of the respondents described themselves as non-religious. Of these, more than one-third of the people were between the ages of 18 and 24. Also read | Russia denies US claim that Moscow deployed anti-satellite weapon in space The survey highlighted that religious believers were more likely to participate in various volunteer activities compared to people who were not religious by a margin of 34 per cent to 17 per cent. Earlier this month, a similar survey was conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center which showed that 78 per cent of the respondents considered themselves religious. Of these, two-thirds were Orthodox Christians. 'Orthodoxy deeply rooted in Russians' consciousness' In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Orthodoxy, Eastern Christianity, was deeply rooted in the consciousness of the Russian people. "When Russia expanded and absorbed other nations who profess Islam, Buddhism and Judaism, Russia has always been very loyal to those people who profess other religions. This is its strength. This is absolutely clear," President Putin told Tucker Carlson. Also watch | Is it the West versus Xi and Putin as both leaders pledge a new era and condemn the US? × "By the way, Russian authorities were always very careful about the culture and religion of those peoples who came to join the Russian Empire. This, in my opinion, forms the basis of both security and stability of the Russian statehood – all the peoples inhabiting Russia basically consider it their Motherland," Putin added. (With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 70% of Russians consider themselves religious, most of these identify as Orthodox Christians: Survey

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China from 16–17 May to hold another summit with President Xi Jinping. This was his second visit to Beijing in six months. Putin and Xi have met over 40 times since 2010. The question every expert on International Affairs (IR) wants to raise is: what is the new outcome of the latest confabulations?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The answer lies in a painstaking study of every statement made and every document issued by the two governments against the background of recent major interactions between the two leaders. The latest summit should be examined in the context of the historic February 2022 summit where the two sides announced a "no limits" partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vladimir Putin's Beijing visit: Immediate backdrop</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The latest summit took place when the Ukraine conflict continued unabated. The news from the war front was good for Russia as its troops launched a fresh offensive in the Kharkiv region, securing additional territories. The contrast was stark, between a confident Putin walking on the red carpet in Beijing and a worried President Volodymyr Zelensky canceling his foreign visits due to the recent setbacks. An anxious Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, rushed to Kyiv to assure that more US aid was coming to Ukraine, as the Chinese President prepared to host a glittering banquet for his Russian guests.<img alt="US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba walk past St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery frescos in Kyiv, on May 15, 2024. The United States will back Ukraine until its security is &quot;guaranteed&quot;, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on a trip to Kyiv on May 14, 2024, hours after Russian forces claimed further advances in the northeastern Kharkiv region." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="414e760c-79ad-4f0b-aac3-01fc38cbe784" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BlinkenKyiv_0.png" /></p>

<p><em>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba walk past St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery frescos in Kyiv, on May 15, 2024 | AFP</em></p>

<p>The backdrop was also marked by Israel’s ‘no holds barred’ attack on Rafah in Gaza, despite near universal condemnation and opposition. The Western alliance led by the US found itself in a particularly vulnerable spot just when the Eastern Alliance composed of Russia and China demonstrated their unity and strength while condemning the US on account of its penchant for alliance formation and Cold War mentality!</p>

<p>The Putin visit was also preceded by a further dip in US-China relations, as a series of visits by senior American officials to Beijing ended up in Washington imposing hefty increases in tariffs on the import of multiple Chinese products. Besides, Xi Jinping’s recent swing through Western and Central Europe showed his mettle in talking tough to the EU on the one hand and expanding the contours of cooperation with Serbia and Hungary on the other.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin visit, optics and outcomes</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Television images conveying the majesty of protocol and military pomp associated with a state visit were designed to impress and convey that the Russia-China relationship is in its best phase.</p>

<p><img alt="Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping hold an informal meeting at Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing on May 16, 2024" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="927dcc40-048d-4c72-8911-923e0b22b83a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PutinXi.png" /></p>

<p><em>Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping hold an informal meeting at Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing on May 16, 2024 | AFP via Sputnik</em></p>

<p>After all, the visit was part of celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states. Public events revealed a positive personal chemistry between the two leaders. The presence of large teams of high-level officials from both sides at the talks was noted. The rest was left to be projected by Putin and Xi Jinping through their scripted remarks at the press conference and by the joint statement on ‘Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination’ for the ‘New Era’ in bilateral relations.</p>

<p>&nbsp;<img alt="Putin Xi meet in Beijing" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23025a3a-80d7-4bfc-918f-6dfe34e49584" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PutinXiBeijingMeet.png" /></p>

<p><em>Russia's President Vladimir Putin, China's President Xi Jinping and both sides' officials hold a meeting in Beijing on May 16, 2024 | AFP</em></p>

<p>The two governments highlighted the importance of “five principles” that govern the China-Russia relationship which is touted as a prime example of a new form of international relations as well as of good-neighbourly relations. A closer look at these principles or special characteristics of the relations is advisable.</p>

<p>First, mutual respect, equality and support for each other’s core interests and major concerns is a top driver. Does it not smell like an alliance? Second, satisfaction was voiced on the $240 billion bilateral trade, indicating a 2.7 times increase within a decade. This came with the resolve to expand cooperation in ports, transportation and logistics, and stable global industrial and supply chains. China has become a vital trading partner for Russia which stands hobbled by the impact of Western sanctions. Third, the significance of cultural relations and people-to-people ties was stressed, with a decision announced to celebrate 2024 and 2025 as the ‘China-Russia Years of Culture’ through a long series of cultural events to be held in both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fourth, the value of strategic coordination was emphasized for safeguarding the UN-centered international system, including the new multilateral platforms. It was conveyed that, with Russia and China chairing BRICS and SCO respectively (the latter begins soon), “the two sides will support each other’s chairmanship.” Further, they would construct a high-quality partnership to build the unity and strength of the Global South. Fifth, the two sides pronounced themselves in favour of political settlements of the world’s hotspots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Urgent resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through a two-state formula was stressed. On the Ukraine war, they said that a political settlement was “the right way forward.” Russia endorsed the Chinese position on Ukraine, thereby giving a fillip to the latter’s dual role as a staunch supporter of Russia and a mediator of questionable credentials. Putin stated that many provisions of China’s 12-point peace plan were consistent with Russia’s approach and could be taken as a basis for peaceful settlement, but the West and Kyiv were not ready.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reactions, perceptions</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Without conveying anything significantly new or tangible, Russia and China utilised Putin’s visit to inform the world that their partnership was strong and blooming. They have their differences, but they are not talking about them. That is a subject to be deciphered by Western and Asian experts on Russia-China relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A critical challenge in Beijing was how to address the adverse impact of US sanctions on the Russian economy and the recent US tariff measures against China. Putin seems to have pressed China to continue supplying equipment and technology such as machine tools, silicon chips, etc. to help its war-torn economy.</p>

<p>A Singapore-based scholar, Hoo Tiang Boon, stated that both sides wished to show “that despite what is happening globally, despite the pressures that both sides are facing from the US, both sides are not about to turn their backs on each other anytime soon.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country that received considerable criticism and negative attention during the parleys in Beijing was the US. This rattled Washington; the deputy spokesperson of the State Department observed that China could not “have its cake and eat it too.” Elaborating, he observed, “You cannot want to have deepened relations with Europe … while simultaneously continuing to fuel the biggest threat to European security in a long time.”</p>

<p>On Ukraine, the White House stated that China's position was not impartial and urged the Chinese government to work for Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin's Beijing visit: View from New Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>The Beijing summit has been watched with keen interest in the Indian capital, despite the latter’s all-consuming preoccupation with the ongoing general elections. How much closer China and Russia have moved to each other and how to identify the downside of this relationship are issues of much debate on the think tank circuit in New Delhi. However, one point is clear: increased coordination between Moscow and Beijing on all issues relating to BRICS and SCO and their coordinated approach towards the Global South imply that India needs to plan its responses very carefully.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Putin in China: Xi, Putin reaffirm 'priority partners' status, slam US</strong></p>

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<p>On a broader plane, India will need to do everything it can to strengthen its time-tested relationship with Russia through an early summit. Will it also consider its options about seeking a reset in its ties with China? But first Beijing must decide how to break the four-year-long impasse on the border issues. Will it? Watch this space.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China from 16–17 May to hold another summit with President Xi Jinping. This was his second visit to Beijing in six months.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China from 16–17 May to hold another summit with President Xi Jinping. This was his second visit to Beijing in six months. Putin and Xi have met over 40 times since 2010. The question every expert on International Affairs (IR) wants to raise is: what is the new outcome of the latest confabulations? The answer lies in a painstaking study of every statement made and every document issued by the two governments against the background of recent major interactions between the two leaders. The latest summit should be examined in the context of the historic February 2022 summit where the two sides announced a "no limits" partnership. Vladimir Putin's Beijing visit: Immediate backdrop The latest summit took place when the Ukraine conflict continued unabated. The news from the war front was good for Russia as its troops launched a fresh offensive in the Kharkiv region, securing additional territories. The contrast was stark, between a confident Putin walking on the red carpet in Beijing and a worried President Volodymyr Zelensky canceling his foreign visits due to the recent setbacks. An anxious Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, rushed to Kyiv to assure that more US aid was coming to Ukraine, as the Chinese President prepared to host a glittering banquet for his Russian guests. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba walk past St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery frescos in Kyiv, on May 15, 2024 | AFP The backdrop was also marked by Israel’s ‘no holds barred’ attack on Rafah in Gaza, despite near universal condemnation and opposition. The Western alliance led by the US found itself in a particularly vulnerable spot just when the Eastern Alliance composed of Russia and China demonstrated their unity and strength while condemning the US on account of its penchant for alliance formation and Cold War mentality! The Putin visit was also preceded by a further dip in US-China relations, as a series of visits by senior American officials to Beijing ended up in Washington imposing hefty increases in tariffs on the import of multiple Chinese products. Besides, Xi Jinping’s recent swing through Western and Central Europe showed his mettle in talking tough to the EU on the one hand and expanding the contours of cooperation with Serbia and Hungary on the other. Putin visit, optics and outcomes Television images conveying the majesty of protocol and military pomp associated with a state visit were designed to impress and convey that the Russia-China relationship is in its best phase. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping hold an informal meeting at Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing on May 16, 2024 | AFP via Sputnik After all, the visit was part of celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states. Public events revealed a positive personal chemistry between the two leaders. The presence of large teams of high-level officials from both sides at the talks was noted. The rest was left to be projected by Putin and Xi Jinping through their scripted remarks at the press conference and by the joint statement on ‘Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination’ for the ‘New Era’ in bilateral relations. Russia's President Vladimir Putin, China's President Xi Jinping and both sides' officials hold a meeting in Beijing on May 16, 2024 | AFP The two governments highlighted the importance of “five principles” that govern the China-Russia relationship which is touted as a prime example of a new form of international relations as well as of good-neighbourly relations. A closer look at these principles or special characteristics of the relations is advisable. First, mutual respect, equality and support for each other’s core interests and major concerns is a top driver. Does it not smell like an alliance? Second, satisfaction was voiced on the $240 billion bilateral trade, indicating a 2.7 times increase within a decade. This came with the resolve to expand cooperation in ports, transportation and logistics, and stable global industrial and supply chains. China has become a vital trading partner for Russia which stands hobbled by the impact of Western sanctions. Third, the significance of cultural relations and people-to-people ties was stressed, with a decision announced to celebrate 2024 and 2025 as the ‘China-Russia Years of Culture’ through a long series of cultural events to be held in both countries. Fourth, the value of strategic coordination was emphasized for safeguarding the UN-centered international system, including the new multilateral platforms. It was conveyed that, with Russia and China chairing BRICS and SCO respectively (the latter begins soon), “the two sides will support each other’s chairmanship.” Further, they would construct a high-quality partnership to build the unity and strength of the Global South. Fifth, the two sides pronounced themselves in favour of political settlements of the world’s hotspots. Urgent resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through a two-state formula was stressed. On the Ukraine war, they said that a political settlement was “the right way forward.” Russia endorsed the Chinese position on Ukraine, thereby giving a fillip to the latter’s dual role as a staunch supporter of Russia and a mediator of questionable credentials. Putin stated that many provisions of China’s 12-point peace plan were consistent with Russia’s approach and could be taken as a basis for peaceful settlement, but the West and Kyiv were not ready. Reactions, perceptions Without conveying anything significantly new or tangible, Russia and China utilised Putin’s visit to inform the world that their partnership was strong and blooming. They have their differences, but they are not talking about them. That is a subject to be deciphered by Western and Asian experts on Russia-China relations. A critical challenge in Beijing was how to address the adverse impact of US sanctions on the Russian economy and the recent US tariff measures against China. Putin seems to have pressed China to continue supplying equipment and technology such as machine tools, silicon chips, etc. to help its war-torn economy. A Singapore-based scholar, Hoo Tiang Boon, stated that both sides wished to show “that despite what is happening globally, despite the pressures that both sides are facing from the US, both sides are not about to turn their backs on each other anytime soon.” The country that received considerable criticism and negative attention during the parleys in Beijing was the US. This rattled Washington; the deputy spokesperson of the State Department observed that China could not “have its cake and eat it too.” Elaborating, he observed, “You cannot want to have deepened relations with Europe … while simultaneously continuing to fuel the biggest threat to European security in a long time.” On Ukraine, the White House stated that China's position was not impartial and urged the Chinese government to work for Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine. Putin's Beijing visit: View from New Delhi The Beijing summit has been watched with keen interest in the Indian capital, despite the latter’s all-consuming preoccupation with the ongoing general elections. How much closer China and Russia have moved to each other and how to identify the downside of this relationship are issues of much debate on the think tank circuit in New Delhi. However, one point is clear: increased coordination between Moscow and Beijing on all issues relating to BRICS and SCO and their coordinated approach towards the Global South imply that India needs to plan its responses very carefully. Also watch | Putin in China: Xi, Putin reaffirm 'priority partners' status, slam US × On a broader plane, India will need to do everything it can to strengthen its time-tested relationship with Russia through an early summit. Will it also consider its options about seeking a reset in its ties with China? But first Beijing must decide how to break the four-year-long impasse on the border issues. Will it? Watch this space. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Russia, China have their differences but Putin and Xi are not talking about them

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<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Friday (May 17) that Russia could intensify its offensive in Ukraine, adding his government&nbsp;would only accept a "fair peace" despite the West's calls for a quick solution.&nbsp;In an interview with the news agency AFP,&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;also&nbsp;acknowledged that his military needed more men to&nbsp;boost the forces' morale.</p>

<p>"We need to staff the reserves... A large number of (brigades) are empty," Zelensky said amid a mobilisation law coming into force on Saturday.&nbsp;The law lowers the minimum age of mobilisation from 27 to 25 and streamlines mobilisation procedures. However, it scraps&nbsp;a vital proposal that would have given soldiers serving for more than 36 months the possibility to&nbsp;be discharged.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-no-plans-of-capturing-ukraines-kharkiv-forces-creating-buffer-zone-putin-722547">Russia has no plans of capturing Ukraine's Kharkiv, forces creating 'buffer zone': Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>Zelensky also repeated pleas for allies to send more air defence and fighter jets and said the "biggest advantage" for Russia was a ban on Ukraine using Western-donated weapons to strike Russian territory.</p>

<h2><strong>'No one is going to give&nbsp;up'</strong></h2>

<p>Zelensky,&nbsp;who has been&nbsp;the face of Ukraine's resistance against Russia since Moscow launched its offensive in February 2022, told AFP on Friday that his country would&nbsp;hold its defensive lines and stop any&nbsp;major&nbsp;Russian breakthrough.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes</strong></p>

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<p>"No one is going to give up," he said. "We want the war to end with a fair peace for us.&nbsp;While&nbsp;the West wants the war to end. Period. As soon as possible. And for them, this is a fair peace," the Ukrainian president added.</p>

<h2><strong>An appeal to China</strong></h2>

<p>Zelensky appealed to China and other countries&nbsp;from the developing world to attend a peace summit with dozens of leaders being hosted by neutral Switzerland next month to which Russia has not&nbsp;been invited.</p>

<p>Zelensky pointed out that global players like China have influence over Russia. "And the more such countries we have on our side, on the side of the end of the war, I would say, the more Russia will have to move and reckon with," he told the news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Friday (May 17) that Russia could intensify its offensive in Ukraine, adding his government would only accept a "fair peace" despite the West's calls for a quick solution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Friday (May 17) that Russia could intensify its offensive in Ukraine, adding his government would only accept a "fair peace" despite the West's calls for a quick solution. In an interview with the news agency AFP, Zelensky also acknowledged that his military needed more men to boost the forces' morale. "We need to staff the reserves... A large number of (brigades) are empty," Zelensky said amid a mobilisation law coming into force on Saturday. The law lowers the minimum age of mobilisation from 27 to 25 and streamlines mobilisation procedures. However, it scraps a vital proposal that would have given soldiers serving for more than 36 months the possibility to be discharged. Also read | Russia has no plans of capturing Ukraine's Kharkiv, forces creating 'buffer zone': Putin Zelensky also repeated pleas for allies to send more air defence and fighter jets and said the "biggest advantage" for Russia was a ban on Ukraine using Western-donated weapons to strike Russian territory. 'No one is going to give up' Zelensky, who has been the face of Ukraine's resistance against Russia since Moscow launched its offensive in February 2022, told AFP on Friday that his country would hold its defensive lines and stop any major Russian breakthrough. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × "No one is going to give up," he said. "We want the war to end with a fair peace for us. While the West wants the war to end. Period. As soon as possible. And for them, this is a fair peace," the Ukrainian president added. An appeal to China Zelensky appealed to China and other countries from the developing world to attend a peace summit with dozens of leaders being hosted by neutral Switzerland next month to which Russia has not been invited. Zelensky pointed out that global players like China have influence over Russia. "And the more such countries we have on our side, on the side of the end of the war, I would say, the more Russia will have to move and reckon with," he told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Russia could intensify its offensive, need more men to boost forces' morale, says Zelensky

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<p>Russia's President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin&nbsp;on Friday (May 17) said that their current plan does not include capturing the Ukrainian city of&nbsp;Kharkiv.</p>

<p>He added that the Russian forces, which have been operating close to Kharkhiv, have been creating a “buffer zone” for their&nbsp;own&nbsp;security and to protect Russian border regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at a press conference in China, Putin said that all of the military operations were going ahead as per plan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia attacked Kharkiv to stop cross-border shelling: Putin</strong></h2>

<p>Putin&nbsp;said that a ground assault was launched by Russia into Ukraine's northeast to stop cross-border shelling.</p>

<p>On May 10, thousands of Russian troops launched artillery fire on various Ukrainian towns and villages and captured more than 200 square kilometres of land, which was the biggest advance made by the Russian Army in 18 months.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-advances-in-ukraines-kharkiv-region-to-create-buffer-zone-720105">New front opens in Russia-Ukraine war as Moscow launches surprise offensive</a></p>

<p>"As for what is happening on the Kharkiv front, this is their fault, because they have shelled and continue to shell residential neighbourhoods in border areas including Belgorod," said Putin, while speaking to the reporters in the Chinese city of Harbin.</p>

<p>"And I said publicly that if this continues, we will be forced to create a security zone," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about Russia's plan to capture the city of Kharkiv, Putin said: "As for Kharkiv, there are no such plans as of today."</p>

<p>He added that he spoke about the Ukraine conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an informal meeting, and appreciated the efforts of Beijing to end the conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Will Ukraine strike deeper into Russia?</strong></p>

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<p>"We have repeatedly said, we believe that China is sincerely seeking to resolve this problem, offers various options, and&nbsp;behaves very flexibly," said the Russian president.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian forces further advance in Kharkiv</strong></h2>

<p>The area of active combat was expanded by the Russian forces by almost 70 km as they launched their offensive in the&nbsp;Kharkiv&nbsp;region, confirmed Ukraine’s army chief&nbsp;Oleksandr Syrskyi on Friday (May 17).</p>

<p>Syrskyi said that Russia launched the offensive to force Ukraine to push additional reserve brigades into fighting.</p>

<p>He said that he expects fighting to intensify since Kyiv troops have also made preparations for defending the northern region of Sumy.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday (May 17) said that their current plan does not include capturing the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. He added that the Russian forces, which have been operating close to Kharkhiv, have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security and to protect Russian border regions.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday (May 17) said that their current plan does not include capturing the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. He added that the Russian forces, which have been operating close to Kharkhiv, have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security and to protect Russian border regions. While speaking at a press conference in China, Putin said that all of the military operations were going ahead as per plan. Russia attacked Kharkiv to stop cross-border shelling: Putin Putin said that a ground assault was launched by Russia into Ukraine's northeast to stop cross-border shelling. On May 10, thousands of Russian troops launched artillery fire on various Ukrainian towns and villages and captured more than 200 square kilometres of land, which was the biggest advance made by the Russian Army in 18 months. Also Read: New front opens in Russia-Ukraine war as Moscow launches surprise offensive "As for what is happening on the Kharkiv front, this is their fault, because they have shelled and continue to shell residential neighbourhoods in border areas including Belgorod," said Putin, while speaking to the reporters in the Chinese city of Harbin. "And I said publicly that if this continues, we will be forced to create a security zone," he said. Speaking about Russia's plan to capture the city of Kharkiv, Putin said: "As for Kharkiv, there are no such plans as of today." He added that he spoke about the Ukraine conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an informal meeting, and appreciated the efforts of Beijing to end the conflict. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Will Ukraine strike deeper into Russia? "We have repeatedly said, we believe that China is sincerely seeking to resolve this problem, offers various options, and behaves very flexibly," said the Russian president. Russian forces further advance in Kharkiv The area of active combat was expanded by the Russian forces by almost 70 km as they launched their offensive in the Kharkiv region, confirmed Ukraine’s army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on Friday (May 17). Syrskyi said that Russia launched the offensive to force Ukraine to push additional reserve brigades into fighting. He said that he expects fighting to intensify since Kyiv troops have also made preparations for defending the northern region of Sumy. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Russia has no plans of capturing Ukraine's Kharkiv, forces creating 'buffer zone': Putin

<p>Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday (May 15) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with an additional $2 billion in foreign military financing as he concluded a two-day visit to the war-ravaged nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that the US was working to immediately send more ammunition and weapons to the front lines to help Ukrainians in their fight against Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His visit came after Russia opened a new front in the war, which started in February 2022. Russia began a ground incursion into the northeastern Kharkiv region and has intensified the attacks in the past couple of days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-plays-guitar-in-kyiv-to-signify-defiance-hope-ends-up-getting-slammed-721822">Antony Blinken plays guitar in Kyiv to signify defiance and hope, ends up getting slammed</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>At a joint press conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken said, "We will provide an additional $2 billion in foreign military financing for Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the US has put this together in a "first-of-its-kind defence enterprise fund", and it has three components. He explained that the first is to provide weapons today so that it will assist Ukraine in acquiring those weapons. Secondly, he highlighted the importance of investing in Ukraine's defence industrial base.</p>

<p>Blinken stated that it will help to strengthen its capacity to produce what the nation needs for itself but also to produce for others. Finally, Ukraine can purchase military equipment from other countries, not just the US, using this fund.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-new-symbol-appears-on-russias-military-equipment-heres-what-it-is-721687">Mysterious new symbol appears on Russia’s military equipment. Here’s what it is</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia unleashes new attacks on Ukraine's Kherson&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Putin hails Russian advances&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed his country's troops for advancing on "all fronts" on the battlefield in Ukraine, days after Moscow launched a major new ground assault.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In all directions our troops are constantly, every day, improving their positions," Putin told Russia's military leaders, including new Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, in a televised meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian president held his first public meeting with Belousov, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in his new role as Security Council chief and other government army officials.</p>

<p>He said that the Russian soldiers are "improving their position" along the "entire frontline" in Ukraine. Putin stresses that "whoever is quicker to master the newest means of armed combat wins".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday (May 15) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with an additional $2 billion in foreign military financing as he concluded a two-day visit to the war-ravaged nation.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday (May 15) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with an additional $2 billion in foreign military financing as he concluded a two-day visit to the war-ravaged nation. He also said that the US was working to immediately send more ammunition and weapons to the front lines to help Ukrainians in their fight against Russia. His visit came after Russia opened a new front in the war, which started in February 2022. Russia began a ground incursion into the northeastern Kharkiv region and has intensified the attacks in the past couple of days. Also read: Antony Blinken plays guitar in Kyiv to signify defiance and hope, ends up getting slammed At a joint press conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken said, "We will provide an additional $2 billion in foreign military financing for Ukraine." He said that the US has put this together in a "first-of-its-kind defence enterprise fund", and it has three components. He explained that the first is to provide weapons today so that it will assist Ukraine in acquiring those weapons. Secondly, he highlighted the importance of investing in Ukraine's defence industrial base. Blinken stated that it will help to strengthen its capacity to produce what the nation needs for itself but also to produce for others. Finally, Ukraine can purchase military equipment from other countries, not just the US, using this fund. Also read: Mysterious new symbol appears on Russia’s military equipment. Here’s what it is Watch: Russia unleashes new attacks on Ukraine's Kherson × Putin hails Russian advances Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed his country's troops for advancing on "all fronts" on the battlefield in Ukraine, days after Moscow launched a major new ground assault. "In all directions our troops are constantly, every day, improving their positions," Putin told Russia's military leaders, including new Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, in a televised meeting. The Russian president held his first public meeting with Belousov, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in his new role as Security Council chief and other government army officials. He said that the Russian soldiers are "improving their position" along the "entire frontline" in Ukraine. Putin stresses that "whoever is quicker to master the newest means of armed combat wins". Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

US offers new $2 billion aid to Ukraine; Putin hails advances on 'all fronts'

Russia's President Vladimir Putin landed in Beijing on Thursday for a two-day state visit to China, in a show of unity between the authoritarian allies as Moscow presses forward with a new offensive in Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Putin arrives in China for state visit in a show of unity

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<p>A close ally of Russian President Vladimir warned on Thursday&nbsp;(May 16) that Ukraine was dragging the West&nbsp;into a major global war, and urged Western leaders to act responsibly to avoid a catastrophe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, said that Ukraine "&nbsp;is dragging the United States and European countries into a big war."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Volodin, a member of Russia's security council, said that Ukrainian lawmakers were trying to convince the United States to allow Kyiv to use American-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory.</p>

<h2><strong>A warning of use of American, European weapons in Russia</strong></h2>

<p>"This path leads to a tragedy that can affect all of humanity.&nbsp;Western politicians need to realise their responsibility and do everything to avoid bringing the situation to a global catastrophe," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offers-new-2-billion-aid-to-ukraine-putin-hails-advances-on-all-fronts-721893">US offers new $2 billion aid to Ukraine; Putin hails advances on 'all fronts'</a></strong></p>

<p>The Putin ally also said that any use of American and European weapons to attack peaceful cities of the Russian Federation will require the use of&nbsp;more powerful weapons to protect the citizens of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Volodin's remarks came as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US&nbsp;had "not encouraged or enabled strikes outside of Ukraine, but ultimately Ukraine has to make decisions for itself about how it’s going to conduct this war."</p>

<p>"We’ve been clear about our own policy, but again, these are decisions that Ukraine has to make, Ukraine will make for itself," Blinken said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine fighting Russia in Kharkiv</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, in the latest news from the war, Ukraine said on Thursday that its military was&nbsp;fighting Russian troops in northern districts of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region.&nbsp;The capture of Vovchansk, 5 km (3 miles) from the border, would be Russia's most significant gain since it launched an incursion into the region last week.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia claims downing American missiles</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, the&nbsp;Ukrainian General Staff said, "The enemy's plans to penetrate deeper into the town of Vovchansk and gain a foothold there were thwarted."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A close ally of Russian President Vladimir warned on Thursday (May 16) that Ukraine was dragging the West into a major global war, and urged Western leaders to act responsibly to avoid a catastrophe.

A close ally of Russian President Vladimir warned on Thursday (May 16) that Ukraine was dragging the West into a major global war, and urged Western leaders to act responsibly to avoid a catastrophe. Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, said that Ukraine " is dragging the United States and European countries into a big war." Volodin, a member of Russia's security council, said that Ukrainian lawmakers were trying to convince the United States to allow Kyiv to use American-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory. A warning of use of American, European weapons in Russia "This path leads to a tragedy that can affect all of humanity. Western politicians need to realise their responsibility and do everything to avoid bringing the situation to a global catastrophe," he added. Also read | US offers new $2 billion aid to Ukraine; Putin hails advances on 'all fronts' The Putin ally also said that any use of American and European weapons to attack peaceful cities of the Russian Federation will require the use of more powerful weapons to protect the citizens of the country. Volodin's remarks came as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US had "not encouraged or enabled strikes outside of Ukraine, but ultimately Ukraine has to make decisions for itself about how it’s going to conduct this war." "We’ve been clear about our own policy, but again, these are decisions that Ukraine has to make, Ukraine will make for itself," Blinken said on Wednesday. Ukraine fighting Russia in Kharkiv Meanwhile, in the latest news from the war, Ukraine said on Thursday that its military was fighting Russian troops in northern districts of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region. The capture of Vovchansk, 5 km (3 miles) from the border, would be Russia's most significant gain since it launched an incursion into the region last week. Also watch | Russia claims downing American missiles × In a statement, the Ukrainian General Staff said, "The enemy's plans to penetrate deeper into the town of Vovchansk and gain a foothold there were thwarted." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Putin's close ally says Kyiv is dragging West into major global conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in the China on his first foreign visit after being re-elected and sworn in as Russia’s president. The Russian president has brought a large delegation consisting of five deputy prime ministers, heads of economic, diplomatic and security agencies - along with a number of CEO's. There will also be a closed door meeting with Xi - in the ‘1+4 format’ - what to expect? What's on the cards? WION's Shivan Chanana discusses with Dr. Gilbert Doctorow Historian, Author and Political Commentator from Brussels.

Putin Meets Xi in China | Tactical nuclear deployment being discussed in closed door meet?

<p>Germany, as per reports, is considering the reintroduction of conscription for all 18-year-olds amidst escalating tensions with Russia.</p>

<p>According to a report by The Sunday Telegraph, this move is driven by concerns over a potential full-scale NATO conflict with Russia.</p>

<h2><strong>What's the plan?</strong></h2>

<p>The report states that three potential plans are under the final stage of discussion, and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to announce formal plans next month. Two of these plans reportedly include compulsory one year conscription for all men at the age of 18.</p>

<p>One approach would require both men and women, upon turning 18, to serve, expanding the conscription that previously applied only to men. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-replaces-russias-defence-minister-sergei-shoigu-with-former-deputy-pm-andrei-belousov-720696">Sergey Shoigu sacked as Russian Defence Minister as Putin begins fifth term</a></strong></p>

<p>Including women in mandatory conscription would require a constitutional amendment, yet, as per Daily Mail, military insiders suggest that such a change would "most likely to receive societal approval".</p>

<p>Another strategy focusing&nbsp;solely on 18-year-old men&nbsp;will reportedly&nbsp;include a selection process where individuals would complete an online form and could subsequently be chosen for service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third option, as per the report, would forego conscription entirely, instead focusing on "optimising" the existing military framework through intensified, proactive recruitment efforts.</p>

<p>However, during a recent visit to Washington, Pistorius expressed his 'conviction' that Germany "needs a form of military conscription".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-critic-alexei-navalny-awarded-dresden-peace-prize-posthumously-720645">Putin critic Alexei Navalny awarded Dresden Peace Prize&nbsp;posthumously&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Germany had suspended compulsory military conscription in 2011, a decision which Pistorius has previously described as a "mistake".</p>

<h2><strong>Why compulsory military service?</strong></h2>

<p>These discussions, as per Daily Mail, are set against a backdrop of heightened global tension following Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration that his nuclear forces are at full readiness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an unsettling speech, on Thursday (May 9) Putin hailed the valour of Russian troops in Ukraine and accused the "collective West" of "fuelling regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife and trying to contain sovereign and independent centres of global development". He also issued a warning that the Kremlin intends to avoid global conflict, but was ready to face any threat to Russia's security.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Germany, as per reports, is considering the reintroduction of conscription for all 18-year-olds amidst escalating tensions with Russia. According to a report by The Sunday Telegraph, this move is driven by concerns over a potential full-scale NATO conflict with Russia.

Germany, as per reports, is considering the reintroduction of conscription for all 18-year-olds amidst escalating tensions with Russia. According to a report by The Sunday Telegraph, this move is driven by concerns over a potential full-scale NATO conflict with Russia. What's the plan? The report states that three potential plans are under the final stage of discussion, and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to announce formal plans next month. Two of these plans reportedly include compulsory one year conscription for all men at the age of 18. One approach would require both men and women, upon turning 18, to serve, expanding the conscription that previously applied only to men. Also read | Sergey Shoigu sacked as Russian Defence Minister as Putin begins fifth term Including women in mandatory conscription would require a constitutional amendment, yet, as per Daily Mail, military insiders suggest that such a change would "most likely to receive societal approval". Another strategy focusing solely on 18-year-old men will reportedly include a selection process where individuals would complete an online form and could subsequently be chosen for service. The third option, as per the report, would forego conscription entirely, instead focusing on "optimising" the existing military framework through intensified, proactive recruitment efforts. However, during a recent visit to Washington, Pistorius expressed his 'conviction' that Germany "needs a form of military conscription". Also read | Putin critic Alexei Navalny awarded Dresden Peace Prize posthumously Germany had suspended compulsory military conscription in 2011, a decision which Pistorius has previously described as a "mistake". Why compulsory military service? These discussions, as per Daily Mail, are set against a backdrop of heightened global tension following Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration that his nuclear forces are at full readiness. In an unsettling speech, on Thursday (May 9) Putin hailed the valour of Russian troops in Ukraine and accused the "collective West" of "fuelling regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife and trying to contain sovereign and independent centres of global development". He also issued a warning that the Kremlin intends to avoid global conflict, but was ready to face any threat to Russia's security. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany ponders mandatory military service for 18-year-olds amid looming Russia nuclear threat

Russian President Vladimir Putin replaced his defense minister Sergei Shoigu, nominating an economist to take his place in the most substantial shake-up to the military’s command structure since Moscow launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022. Watch in for more details!

Russia: Vladimir Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as security council secretary

Russia: President Putin replaces Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, fields in economist

Russia's Putin replaces Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, fields in economist

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<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed&nbsp;Sergei Shoigu as the&nbsp;country's&nbsp;defence minister in a cabinet reshuffle. On Sunday (May 12), President Putin proposed&nbsp;Andrey Belousov to be the new defence minister.&nbsp;Belousov’s&nbsp;candidacy will need to be approved by&nbsp;Russia’s&nbsp;upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Putin introduced proposals for other Cabinet positions&nbsp;as well&nbsp;but&nbsp;Shoigu is the only minister on that list who is&nbsp;being replaced.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sergei-shoigu-putins-hunting-partner-just-shown-exit-door-from-russian-defence-ministry-720828">Who is Sergei Shoigu? Putin's hunting partner just shown exit door from Russian defence ministry</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Kremlin spokesperson&nbsp;Dmitry Peskov said that the decision to appoint&nbsp;Belousov as the defence minister&nbsp;was linked&nbsp;to the need to&nbsp;"making the economy of the security bloc part of the&nbsp;country’s&nbsp;economy."</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Andrey&nbsp;Belousov?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in 1959,&nbsp;Andrey Belousov is an economist&nbsp;by profession&nbsp;and has previously served in different positions.&nbsp;Belousov, 65,&nbsp;graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Moscow State University in 1981 with distinction. He defended his dissertation on&nbsp;"An imitative approach to modelling interrelated processes for the formation and use of working capital."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as security council secretary</strong></p>

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<p>In 2000,&nbsp;Belousov&nbsp;was appointed a non-staff adviser to the Russian prime minister and joined the economy ministry as deputy minister six years later. Between&nbsp;2008 and 2012, he was director of the Department for Economics and Finance in the government apparatus, the same years Putin served as PM.</p>

<h2><strong>Belousov briefly took on PM duties in 2020</strong></h2>

<p>In late May 2012, he&nbsp;was made&nbsp;economics minister.&nbsp;From 2013 until 2020,&nbsp;Belousov&nbsp;served as adviser to Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From 2020, he worked as first deputy prime minister. When Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin got Covid in 2020,&nbsp;Belousov&nbsp;briefly took on the prime&nbsp;minister's&nbsp;duties while Mishustin got better.</p>

<p>The appointment of the 65-year-old has shocked many as he has no military background, but Belousov&nbsp;has been one of&nbsp;Putin’s&nbsp;most influential economic advisors over the last decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed Sergei Shoigu as the country's defence minister in a cabinet reshuffle. On Sunday (May 12), President Putin proposed Andrey Belousov to be the new defence minister.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed Sergei Shoigu as the country's defence minister in a cabinet reshuffle. On Sunday (May 12), President Putin proposed Andrey Belousov to be the new defence minister. Belousov’s candidacy will need to be approved by Russia’s upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. President Putin introduced proposals for other Cabinet positions as well but Shoigu is the only minister on that list who is being replaced. Also read | Who is Sergei Shoigu? Putin's hunting partner just shown exit door from Russian defence ministry Addressing a press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the decision to appoint Belousov as the defence minister was linked to the need to "making the economy of the security bloc part of the country’s economy." Who is Andrey Belousov? Born in 1959, Andrey Belousov is an economist by profession and has previously served in different positions. Belousov, 65, graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Moscow State University in 1981 with distinction. He defended his dissertation on "An imitative approach to modelling interrelated processes for the formation and use of working capital." Also watch | Vladimir Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as security council secretary × In 2000, Belousov was appointed a non-staff adviser to the Russian prime minister and joined the economy ministry as deputy minister six years later. Between 2008 and 2012, he was director of the Department for Economics and Finance in the government apparatus, the same years Putin served as PM. Belousov briefly took on PM duties in 2020 In late May 2012, he was made economics minister. From 2013 until 2020, Belousov served as adviser to Putin. From 2020, he worked as first deputy prime minister. When Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin got Covid in 2020, Belousov briefly took on the prime minister's duties while Mishustin got better. The appointment of the 65-year-old has shocked many as he has no military background, but Belousov has been one of Putin’s most influential economic advisors over the last decade. (With inputs from agencies)

Andrey Belousov, with no military background, likely to be Russia's new defence minister. Who is he?

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin's fifth presidential term began with the removal of his longtime ally Sergei Shoigu as defence minister in the most significant rejig in the country's military command since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p>Shoigu will now head Russia's powerful security council, an autonomous element of the wider Russian presidential administration that acts as the the central body for managing the formulation and execution of security-related policies. While the rejig places Shoigu in a position formally considered higher ranking than his role in the defence ministry, shifting Shoigu to National Security Council chairman could be viewed as a demotion.</p>

<p>Shoigu's future remained the subject of intense speculation in and beyond Moscow's corridors of power since Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin demanded his dismissal when launching the dramatic but short-lived mutiny. Prigozhin, who was killed in a mysterious plane crash in August 2023, had accused Shoigu of incompetence and having no regard for the lives of Wagner troops.</p>

<h2><strong>Shoigu's claim to fame</strong></h2>

<p>Shoigu's popularity grew in Russia after Moscow's forces annexed Crimea in 2014. At the helm of Russia's defences then, he was credited to have orchestrated the successful annexation of the region Russia claims as its own.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia: Vladimir Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as security council secretary</strong></p>

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<p>Shoigu was also believed to have direct access to Vladimir Putin. He was often seen on regular hunting and fishing trips with Putin in Siberia.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Ukraine setback and Wagner debacle</strong></h2>

<p>Russia’s minister of defence since 2012, Shoigu is blamed by many critics inside the Russian military for failing to prepare the Russian Armed Forces for the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/loud-and-posh-wagner-chief-prigozhin-gets-quiet-and-sombre-funeral-630339">Loud and posh Wagner chief Prigozhin gets quiet and sombre funeral</a></strong></p>

<p>Shoigu was tasked with modernising Russia's military and rooting out widespread corruption that plagued&nbsp;the military. But he came under intense criticism for Moscow's inability to overwhelm Ukrainian defences in the immediate weeks after Russia launched war on Ukraine. He was also blamed for failing to stop an armed uprising in June 2023 by Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who had called for his arrest after accusing him of discriminating between regular Russian armed forces and Wagner mercenaries.&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin's fifth presidential term began with the removal of his longtime ally Sergei Shoigu as defence minister in the most significant rejig in the country's military command since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's fifth presidential term began with the removal of his longtime ally Sergei Shoigu as defence minister in the most significant rejig in the country's military command since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022. Shoigu will now head Russia's powerful security council, an autonomous element of the wider Russian presidential administration that acts as the the central body for managing the formulation and execution of security-related policies. While the rejig places Shoigu in a position formally considered higher ranking than his role in the defence ministry, shifting Shoigu to National Security Council chairman could be viewed as a demotion. Shoigu's future remained the subject of intense speculation in and beyond Moscow's corridors of power since Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin demanded his dismissal when launching the dramatic but short-lived mutiny. Prigozhin, who was killed in a mysterious plane crash in August 2023, had accused Shoigu of incompetence and having no regard for the lives of Wagner troops. Shoigu's claim to fame Shoigu's popularity grew in Russia after Moscow's forces annexed Crimea in 2014. At the helm of Russia's defences then, he was credited to have orchestrated the successful annexation of the region Russia claims as its own. Also watch | Russia: Vladimir Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as security council secretary × Shoigu was also believed to have direct access to Vladimir Putin. He was often seen on regular hunting and fishing trips with Putin in Siberia. The Ukraine setback and Wagner debacle Russia’s minister of defence since 2012, Shoigu is blamed by many critics inside the Russian military for failing to prepare the Russian Armed Forces for the war in Ukraine. Also read | Loud and posh Wagner chief Prigozhin gets quiet and sombre funeral Shoigu was tasked with modernising Russia's military and rooting out widespread corruption that plagued the military. But he came under intense criticism for Moscow's inability to overwhelm Ukrainian defences in the immediate weeks after Russia launched war on Ukraine. He was also blamed for failing to stop an armed uprising in June 2023 by Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who had called for his arrest after accusing him of discriminating between regular Russian armed forces and Wagner mercenaries.

Who is Sergei Shoigu? Putin's hunting partner just shown exit door from Russian defence ministry

<p>Russia's&nbsp;most prominent opposition leader&nbsp;Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, who died on February 16 under mysterious circumstances, received the Dresden Peace Prize on Sunday (May 12).</p>

<p>The award&nbsp;was received&nbsp;by&nbsp;Navalny's&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Yulia&nbsp;Navalnaya&nbsp;during&nbsp;a ceremony, where former German president Joachim Gauck delivered the laudatory speech.</p>

<p>"The resistance of the opposition politician was and is an emboldening example to all the human rights defenders who are continuing his activities,"&nbsp;the organisers said at the event.</p>

<p>In his speech,&nbsp;Gauck declared Navalny a&nbsp;"feared opponent"&nbsp;of President Vladimir Putin, using a German sporting term.&nbsp;The award comes with a $10,800 prize.</p>

<h2><strong>About Dresden Prize</strong></h2>

<p>The Friends of Dresden have been awarding the Dresden Prize on the anniversary of the&nbsp;city's&nbsp;destruction in World War II since 2010. It&nbsp;is awarded&nbsp;to those individuals who have made&nbsp;a special&nbsp;contribution to peace and international understanding.</p>

<h2><strong>About Alexei Navalny</strong></h2>

<p>Alexei Navalny rose to prominence by writing hard-hitting columns against Russian President Vladimir Putin as a lawyer. In his blogs, Navalny would expose vast corruption among the Russian elites and claim the country was&nbsp;being ruled&nbsp;by&nbsp;"crooks and thieves".</p>

<p>Some called him overtly nationalist. He would march in Russian nationalist marches in the 2000s. His vehement opposition to migration and support for nationalistic movement prompted his expulsion from the liberal opposition party Yabloko in 2007.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiLjZOhoIiGAxUbyDgGHfjhCEUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-russian-journalists-detained-over-extremism-after-allegedly-working-for-navalny-group-715972" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/two-russian-journalists-detained-over-extremism-after-allegedly-working-for-navalny-group-715972&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLjZOhoIiGAxUbyDgGHfjhCEUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Two Russian journalists detained over ‘extremism’ after allegedly working for Navalny group</a></strong></p>

<p>But that did not deter him from continuing his&nbsp;perilous&nbsp;journey of standing up to the most powerful leader in the nation.</p>

<p>He would highlight the lavish lifestyle of top Russian leaders and&nbsp;would&nbsp;use the internet and drones to illustrate the vast holdings and luxury properties&nbsp;of the elites.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiLjZOhoIiGAxUbyDgGHfjhCEUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-mother-accused-russian-officials-of-pressuring-her-into-secret-burial-692865" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-mother-accused-russian-officials-of-pressuring-her-into-secret-burial-692865&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLjZOhoIiGAxUbyDgGHfjhCEUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Navalny`s mother sees his body, accuses Russian officials of pressuring her into `secret burial`</a></strong></p>

<p>It was in 2011 when Navalny was arrested by Russian authorities for alleging fraud in the 2011 parliamentary elections that saw&nbsp;Putin’s&nbsp;party register a landslide victory.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died on February 16 under mysterious circumstances, received the Dresden Peace Prize on Sunday (May 12).

Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died on February 16 under mysterious circumstances, received the Dresden Peace Prize on Sunday (May 12). The award was received by Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnaya during a ceremony, where former German president Joachim Gauck delivered the laudatory speech. "The resistance of the opposition politician was and is an emboldening example to all the human rights defenders who are continuing his activities," the organisers said at the event. In his speech, Gauck declared Navalny a "feared opponent" of President Vladimir Putin, using a German sporting term. The award comes with a $10,800 prize. About Dresden Prize The Friends of Dresden have been awarding the Dresden Prize on the anniversary of the city's destruction in World War II since 2010. It is awarded to those individuals who have made a special contribution to peace and international understanding. About Alexei Navalny Alexei Navalny rose to prominence by writing hard-hitting columns against Russian President Vladimir Putin as a lawyer. In his blogs, Navalny would expose vast corruption among the Russian elites and claim the country was being ruled by "crooks and thieves". Some called him overtly nationalist. He would march in Russian nationalist marches in the 2000s. His vehement opposition to migration and support for nationalistic movement prompted his expulsion from the liberal opposition party Yabloko in 2007. Also read: Two Russian journalists detained over ‘extremism’ after allegedly working for Navalny group But that did not deter him from continuing his perilous journey of standing up to the most powerful leader in the nation. He would highlight the lavish lifestyle of top Russian leaders and would use the internet and drones to illustrate the vast holdings and luxury properties of the elites. Also read: Navalny`s mother sees his body, accuses Russian officials of pressuring her into `secret burial` It was in 2011 when Navalny was arrested by Russian authorities for alleging fraud in the 2011 parliamentary elections that saw Putin’s party register a landslide victory. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin critic Alexei Navalny awarded Dresden Peace Prize posthumously 

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<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, who began his fifth term as president on Tuesday (May 7), has proposed&nbsp;reappointing Mikhail&nbsp;Mishustin as the country's prime minister. On Friday (May 10),&nbsp;the speaker of the Duma (the lower house of parliament), Vyacheslav Volodin, said in a post on Telegram that Putin "submitted to the State Duma a proposal on the candidacy of Mikhail Vladimirovich&nbsp;Mishustin&nbsp;for the post of Chairman of the Government."</p>

<p>"Today, deputies will make a responsible decision on behalf of their constituents on this issue," Volodin said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mishutin, 58, was appointed&nbsp;as&nbsp;prime minister in January 2020 and has been&nbsp;serving&nbsp;in the top position since then.&nbsp;A report by the news agency Reuters said that along with other members of the Russian elite,&nbsp;Mishustin has&nbsp;been targeted&nbsp;by Western sanctions over Russia's war in Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is&nbsp;Mikhail </strong>Mishustin<strong>?</strong></h2>

<p>Mikhail Mishustin was born on March 3, 1966. The 58-year-old comes across&nbsp;as a confident communicator, often seen on television fielding pointed questions from Putin on government tasks and deadlines.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-begins-fifth-term-as-russian-president-after-grand-inauguration-ceremony-718932">Vladimir Putin begins fifth term as Russian president after grand inauguration ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p>He was appointed by Putin&nbsp;as PM in January 2020,&nbsp;replacing Dmitry Medvedev.&nbsp;Before becoming the prime minister, Mishustin headed Russia's federal tax service,&nbsp;where he&nbsp;was credited&nbsp;with more than doubling revenues&nbsp;during his decade in charge.</p>

<p>His tenure as PM has been dominated by the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine war.&nbsp;Reuters reported that the 58-year-old was&nbsp;named the head of a new Coordination Council in October 2022 to work with regional leaders and industry&nbsp;to better supply the armed forces&nbsp;and improve medical and logistical support.</p>

<p>Having no background in security services, Mishustin is not part of the so-called siloviki (strongmen) faction of intelligence veterans&nbsp;who are&nbsp;close to Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'My govt faced very complicated conditions'</strong></h2>

<p>In his annual report to Parliament last month, Mishustin said that his government faced&nbsp;"very complicated" conditions but succeeded in adapting Russia's economy to Western sanctions and delivering on targets set by President Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Putin announces he will visit China next month</strong></p>

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<p>Duma Speaker&nbsp;Volodin also said on Friday that&nbsp;Mishustin, who would speak in the Duma before the vote,&nbsp;must answer how he will solve many tasks set by Putin for the government, including increasing the defence capability of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin, who began his fifth term as president on Tuesday (May 7), has proposed reappointing Mikhail Mishustin as the country's prime minister.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who began his fifth term as president on Tuesday (May 7), has proposed reappointing Mikhail Mishustin as the country's prime minister. On Friday (May 10), the speaker of the Duma (the lower house of parliament), Vyacheslav Volodin, said in a post on Telegram that Putin "submitted to the State Duma a proposal on the candidacy of Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin for the post of Chairman of the Government." "Today, deputies will make a responsible decision on behalf of their constituents on this issue," Volodin said. Mishutin, 58, was appointed as prime minister in January 2020 and has been serving in the top position since then. A report by the news agency Reuters said that along with other members of the Russian elite, Mishustin has been targeted by Western sanctions over Russia's war in Ukraine. Who is Mikhail Mishustin? Mikhail Mishustin was born on March 3, 1966. The 58-year-old comes across as a confident communicator, often seen on television fielding pointed questions from Putin on government tasks and deadlines. Also read | Vladimir Putin begins fifth term as Russian president after grand inauguration ceremony He was appointed by Putin as PM in January 2020, replacing Dmitry Medvedev. Before becoming the prime minister, Mishustin headed Russia's federal tax service, where he was credited with more than doubling revenues during his decade in charge. His tenure as PM has been dominated by the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine war. Reuters reported that the 58-year-old was named the head of a new Coordination Council in October 2022 to work with regional leaders and industry to better supply the armed forces and improve medical and logistical support. Having no background in security services, Mishustin is not part of the so-called siloviki (strongmen) faction of intelligence veterans who are close to Putin. 'My govt faced very complicated conditions' In his annual report to Parliament last month, Mishustin said that his government faced "very complicated" conditions but succeeded in adapting Russia's economy to Western sanctions and delivering on targets set by President Putin. Also watch | Putin announces he will visit China next month × Duma Speaker Volodin also said on Friday that Mishustin, who would speak in the Duma before the vote, must answer how he will solve many tasks set by Putin for the government, including increasing the defence capability of Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin proposes reappointing Mikhail Mishustin as Russian PM. Who is he?

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